If you want to make sure your teeth stay healthy and strong, you need regular dental care. You should see a dentist office for preventative treatments, such as cleanings and tooth removal, as well as for emergencies, such as loose or broken fillings and oral infections. Your dentist can also provide advice about diet, smoking, pregnancy, and other medical issues that affect your oral health.
Dental offices are fast-paced, efficient places that need to run like a well-oiled machine. The staff works together to keep patients on schedule and happy, so it’s important that everyone is a good communicator and is able to work in a team environment. The team includes the dentist, clinical and administrative assistants, dental hygienists and receptionists.
A large office may have several operatories for the dentist and his or her assistants to use, as well as a lab, storage areas and a sterilization area. The operatories are designed and furnished to be similar for efficiency, and the rooms are set up so that the dentist can easily move from one treatment area to another during an appointment. The laboratory is equipped with workbenches and wall-mounted storage cabinets for supplies and tools. The sterilization area is used to clean and sterilize instruments after each use, and the room must be kept neat and organized at all times.
The reception area is where the front desk staff greets patients and processes their insurance claims. It’s a busy place that needs to be stocked with all the necessary equipment, including computer monitors for scheduling and patient records. There is also a waiting area where patients can wait while the dentist or their hygienist prepares for their visit. This area is usually a little warmer than the rest of the office, and a television or music may be available for the patient to enjoy while they wait.
Having worked in a dental office before starting your own private practice is a great way to get a feel for how the business operates. It’s also a valuable experience for dental hygienist students who are trying to decide if this is the right career choice for them. You will learn how to handle the many different tasks that are involved in running a successful dental practice and how to operate the equipment properly. You’ll also gain a greater understanding of what it’s like to work as part of a professional team. This can be a very rewarding and fulfilling career, but it’s important to take the time to think about it carefully before making your decision. The right career path can make all the difference in your future success!